I wrote this in response to a post on Fusion Net but I thought I’d post it here as well.  We were talking about what to do when you’re stuck creatively.  I have been there many, many times.  Here are some tips of what helps me when I’m trying to be creative but nothing is flowing…

  1. Try writing in a different place. Go to a new library or coffee shop or park. New places help me a bit.
  2. Talk it out loud to yourself. Sometimes, I can get on a roll just be talking it out loud to myself. Others will think your crazy but you’ll know that you’re just being creative. :)
  3. Start at the end. Write the last chapter and work your way back. Sometimes it just helps me to work on things out of order. That allows me to get around any roadblocks I might be facing.
  4. Get a new pen, pad, journal, etc. I don’t know why but a new pad or pen just does something to me. It’s sort of like someone giving you a fresh start. I also think it’s sort of a step of faith to get a new notebook trusting that you’ll be able to fill it with ideas.
  5. Get some new music or view some new art. I think that creativity begets creativity.
  6. Ask God for illustrations. There’s just nothing like God dropping a big fat illustration into your life. It will motivate and inspire you when it hits you.
  7. Get someone else to write it. Sometimes, when I’m stuck, I’ll try to write as if I were some other author/pastor/leader that I respect. I try to think through how they would present it and then I’ll go back and re-write it in my own tone and style.
  8. Let it simmer and/or marinate. Kelly, there are some occasions when God is just slowing the process down so that it can cook a little more. God cooks some things in the microwave and some things in the crock pot. There are times when I just have to drop something for a later date. I can’t tell you how many sermon series ideas I have rolling around in my head/heart. I just keep waiting for the right time.

Just some thoughts.  I hope it helps!!